The UK government will tighten immigration policy and make living in the country a privilege, not a right, for foreigners, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced.

All areas of the immigration system, including work, family and education, will be tightened so that there is more control. The enforcement of this procedure will be stricter than ever, and migration numbers will fall, Starmer said at a press conference ahead of the publicizing of the white paper.

He noted that for years the UK had a system that encouraged businesses to bring in low-paid workers from abroad, rather than invest in their own young people. Thus, from June 2022 to June 2023, net migration to the UK amounted to almost 1 million people, four times more than in 2019. Although the number fell to 728,000 between June 2023 and June 2024, the UK National Health Service and education systems were overloaded and house prices had risen sharply. Starmer called the system broken and said he intended to change it.

As part of the new approach to immigration, the UK government plans to abandon the fast-track route to settlement and citizenship. The requirement to obtain indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the UK will now be ten years, instead of five. Exceptions will only be made for those who make a significant contribution to the country's economy and society.

English language requirements will also be increased. Accordingly, all migrants, including adult dependants, will be required to demonstrate a basic knowledge of the English language. This is necessary to improve integration, protect against exploitation, and increase employment opportunities, the government document says.

Priority will be given to highly qualified migrants in granting the right to reside in the UK. In particular, doctors, engineers, IT specialists, and other professions that are in short supply in the UK and will make a long-term contribution to the country will be able to count on accelerated citizenship.

In addition, it is proposed to introduce restrictions on the recruitment of workers with visas. Access to UK residence permits through temporary visa channels will be closed, and requirements for all categories—from work to education and family reunification—will be significantly tightened. Higher education will become a requirement for a skilled worker visa, and the care sector will be prohibited from hiring foreigners.

Also, the period of stay in the UK for foreign graduates after graduation will be reduced from 2 to 1.5 years. The government will impose fines on employers and universities that violate migration rules.